Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsWilliams

Third place Bottas 'best of the rest'

As Mercedes resumed its duties at the top of the time sheets, Valtteri Bottas emerged as the victor in the 'best of the rest' battle in qualifying today .

The Williams driver, who comfortably edged out Vettel, Massa, Raikkonen and Ricciardo, was a little under half a second away from poleman Rosberg on a track which appears to accommodate the natural qualities of both car and driver.

"Today's result is good for us obviously," said Bottas.

" I think we came into this weekend with a good setup for the dry, so we didn't really have that much work to do from practice to qualifying."

The Finn's last third place in qualifying dates back to Canada earlier this year. Ferrari and Red Bull will sure to be snapping at Williams heals tomorrow, but believes the overall qualities of the FW37 can prevail.

"This is a very different track from Singapore, so we always knew it would be better us. We've got some good downforce and the car is showing good stability which are qualities you need here. Things are going very smoothly and as a group we've done a good job."

REPORT: Rosberg takes pole after huge Kvyat crash

AS IT HAPPENED: Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying

Click here for the F1 drivers' girlfriends gallery

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.